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Enough of the 'begpacker’: Jail time, fines await violators in Bali
Bylaws in Bali's eight regencies and one municipality ban begging, hawking or busking and those who violate including foreigners are subjects to a maximum 3 months imprisonment, or Rp 25 million (US$1,769) in fine.
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After learning from past experiences, authorities now say they are committed to enforcing the law, meaning begpackers will no longer be tolerated. (Courtesy of Angkasa Pura I/-)
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form of international backpacking called begpacking has become a rising trend among certain travelers, many of whom frequent popular tourist destinations in Asia, including Bali.
However, living the lifestyle of a begpacker, a term that refers to someone who travels the world on a tight budget, asking others, often local residents, to help fund their journey, comes with consequences, authorities have warned.
“Our bylaw firmly regulates that begging on the street or in markets, public transportation, housing complexes and other public areas is prohibited. It is applies to everyone, including foreign nationals,” Badung Public Order Agency head I Gusti Agung Ketut Surya Negara told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
Under Bylaw No. 7/2016 on public order and serenity, Bali’s Badung regency – home to popular tourist areas Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua – has a ban in place that prohibits the giving of money to beggars.
Beggars, buskers and even hawkers face a maximum of three months in jail, or a maximum Rp 25 million (US$1,769) fine, for violating the law. For foreigners, the punishment is deportation and a reentry ban after serving the prison term or paying the fine.
All eight regencies and one municipality in Bali have similar bylaws.
The Island of the Gods has in the past shied away from imposing such sanctions, even after witnessing foreigners commit the violation.
